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ased on AAA booking data, Seattle has emerged as the most popular destination for Labor Day weekend, experiencing a significant increase of nearly 30% compared to last year when it also ranked first. Alaska's cities, Anchorage and Juneau, have also made it to the top ten Labor Day destinations due to strong consumer demand for Alaska cruises during late summer.
\"This is a great time to embark on an Alaska cruise,\" said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. \"The crowds are fewer compared to earlier in the summer, and if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of fall colors! It's no surprise Alaska cruises are sold out this Labor Day weekend.\"
According to AAA reports, domestic travel for Labor Day weekend has increased by 9% compared to last year, while the cost of domestic travel has decreased by 2%. Other popular destinations include Orlando, New York, Boston, Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, and San Francisco. For many families, Labor Day marks their last getaway before school starts. To make the most of their trips, AAA recommends identifying must-see attractions and creating a flexible itinerary in advance. \"Trip Canvas is a great free resource for travelers in the planning phase,\" said Twidale. \"You can find free activities in Denver or the best museums in New York City.\"
Travelers planning road trips should expect lower gas prices compared to last year. The national average for Labor Day weekend in 2023 was $3.81, and in recent weeks, gas prices have remained stable around $3.50. Despite the continued popularity of summer road trips, overall gas demand has declined due to post-pandemic driving habits changing. However, hurricanes affecting the Gulf region and its refineries could lead to an increase in gas prices as the peak season approaches in September. For those driving electric vehicles on road trips, AAA now provides weekly updates on the cost of Level 2 commercial EV charging.
International travel over Labor Day weekend has decreased by 4% compared to last year, according to AAA booking data, while the cost of international travel has increased by 11%. The majority of these travelers are heading to Europe, with eight out of the top ten international destinations being European cities. Travelers planning to rent a car abroad should consider obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP), which translates their driver's license information into 10 languages. Some countries, including Italy and Spain, require it.
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